Comment Frequently Asked Questions (cont'd) (Score 1) 309
Q: Do you intend this as a permanent solution for low-connectivity areas?
A: No. In the long term, there needs to be better communications
infrastructure in developing regions. This system provides an interim
solution for delivering much-needed information. It also serves as a
stepping-stone to full connectivity, as it simulates a web connection
from the client machine. Once the infrastructure is available, many
rural users will have developed familiarity with browsers, web pages,
and search engines.
Q: How is the project funded?
A: We have never received funding directed for TEK. The project
has been carried out on a low budget, using mostly undergraduates and
funded by general research funds (e.g., a faculty startup package).
One of the researchers, Libby Levison, worked on the project for an
entire year without receiving any pay. As a policy, we have never
applied for funding from any organization where we will be in
competition with developing nations for the same dollar.
Q: Do you need any help with the project?
A: Yes! We are currently moving our CVS source tree to SourceForge,
where we welcome open-source developers. We can also use help
deploying the software in low-connectivity communities -- please find
our contact information on our website. Thank you.